Topics

1

Feature Request / Toggle Switch

« on: January 02, 2017, 07:38:48 PM »

Hey Guys,

I could really use a basic lever or paddle type "Toggle Switch".

Previously, I've made various buttons and controls using  the GraphicIndicator tool and it works just fine. Unfortunately, I don't have the skills to create graphics for the ON and OFF states that are very attractive.

Does anyone have a couple of graphics they would be willing to share?

Thanks steerex

2

Additional Components / Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)

« on: June 17, 2016, 11:36:25 AM »

Yo,

Still poking around trying to learn more about GDI programming.

As an exercise, I created a basic VFD display. The display "mostly" works although there isn't as much error handling as would be needed for a production display. I also haven't figured out (yet) how to use the comm components to make it a true AHMI component. I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult but, I'm just not familiar enough to do it. Anyway, it hasn't been an issue because I am using a USB/HPIB driver and to talk to my devices.

Maybe someone else will find this project useful. I have included the VB code, a screencap, and a background image.

See ya,
Steve Robertson

3

Additional Components / HPIB / AHMI project

« on: June 12, 2016, 07:54:19 AM »

Hey Guys,

I have a number of ATE devices that use a HPIB interface for communication and thought it might be interesting to create a project using some of the AHMI visual components to talk to those instruments.

Because of limited budget constraints, I bought an inexpensive USB/HPIB converter and am using it to communicate with a HP3455 multimeter. The device seems to work just fine although there may be some advanced functions it can't support. Later, I will be using the converter to talk to other instruments like Function Generators, Timers / Counters, etc...

For my first project, I created a simple app using the USB/HPIB converter, to talk to the instrument, and the AHMI DigitalPanelMeter component to display the measured values. Basically, it works just fine... WooHoo. Obviously, because there is not a driver in AHMI for the device(s), it's not as simple as programming a PLC/HMI interface but, it's not really that bad.

Once I get it prettied-up, I'll post a screen cap.

One issue that I have is that the HP3455 and many other instruments need more than the 6 digits provided by the DigitalPanelMeter. It can display the data just fine but, would really benefit from having more digits.

Is there a reasonable way to expand the meter to display more digits? Ideally, I'd like to have 10 digits.

Thanks,
Steve Robertson

4

Additional Components / HourMeter / Odometer

« on: May 13, 2016, 01:54:41 PM »

Hey Guys,

Just tinkering around trying to learn some more VB.

I had an idea for a project and created a basic working model of an Elapsed Time meter. It uses Archie's AnimatingPictureBox with a image that is scrolling vertically in the window.

For the moment, I'm just using a timer to increment the ImageTranslateYValue by a small factor. This causes a nice smooth scrolling of the digits. The LSB triggers the next significant digit and so forth.

It might make an interesting control but, I unfortunately don't have the VB skills to implement it.   

I have attached a snapshot of a form with the HourMeter running.

See ya,
Steve Robertson

5

Support Questions / Modbus RTU / TCP addressing

« on: May 09, 2016, 05:33:07 PM »

Hey Guys,

I hope this isn't too far off-topic. If it is, I apologize.

I have, like some other users, had some problems with MODBUS addressing. The project I'm currently working is AdvancedHMI talking to Automation Direct DL05's over MODBUS TCP.

I got tired of trying to figure out the mapping every time an address changed. So, I created a simple VB app to do all the calculations. Later, I may expand it to include other addressing schemes like Allen Bradley, Click, Omron, Etc...

The problem I have, not being a "real" programmer, is how to make the program so that it will install on other computers. In other words, how do I create an installation package that will resolve all the dependencies and optionally install everything for the program to run.

Is there a particular application that will build the whole install for me?

If anyone knows of an on-line tutorial, that's easy to follow, please let me know.

I have included a snapshot of the app.

Thanks, Steve Robertson

6

Additional Components / Some simple panel lights

« on: May 09, 2016, 06:59:39 AM »

Hey guys,

Like many others, I get frustrated because good HMI graphics are really hard to find. I am not an artist or graphics designer but decided to give it a try anyway. If other users like these, I'll create copies with transparent backgrounds or additional colors / textures.

I'm a  rookie VB programmer so am unable (for now) to make more interesting effects. Eventually, I'd like to add some AHMI functionality.

I like large graphics on my HMIs and in order to maintain good resolution created the originals in a 350 x 350 format. These have been reduced to fit the upload restrictions. If anyone needs larger formats, just let me know.

These are in .png format although I'm not sure if this is the best format or not. If there is a consensus on file / graphic formats, they could be changed.

Feel free to use as you see fit.

See yas, Steve Robertson

7

Open Discussion / AHMI ModbusTCP on DL05

« on: October 31, 2015, 08:53:37 PM »

First I just want to say thanks to Archie for all his work on this project. Like many others, I have limited resources and just can't justify spending big bucks on the commercial competitors. I do however expect to purchase some of the additional controls as soon as a specific need arises. 

After some tinkering I finally got AHMI to work with a DL05 over ModbusTCP. While I am not a VB developer, I have been able to create functional HMIs and appreciate the amount of work that goes into a project like this.

I'm currently trying to create my own custom controls but,  the learning curve is pretty steep so it will take a while to gain those skills. In the mean time, I've been using various stock windows controls and overlaying them. By enabling / disabling them, you can still get pretty cool animated controls. It just takes more coding on the backend to switch the graphics back and forth.

I look forward to sharing any cool controls that I create with other forum members.

In the mean time keep hacking away.